To the editor:

There seems to be very little oversight of lifeguards at the outdoor aquatic center, particularly with regard to enforcement of the rule that patrons should not distract lifeguards while they are on duty.

From my vantage point, it appears that pool patrons can splash cups of water on lifeguards repeatedly, take their seats, talk with them nonstop and otherwise distract them from their duties in and around the diving well without any repercussions to the patron or the lifeguard, and without any intervention from higher-ups. The parks and recreation department staff, while professing to be concerned about this problem, did nothing to correct it as this year’s pool season passed, despite repeated complaints. Here’s to more attentive lifeguards, responsible parks and recreation leadership, and no dangerous wake-up calls in summer 2008!

Eric Weslander,

Lawrence